Kohaku

About Me

I work part time as a professor in the department of Fish and Wildlife at the University of Idaho, but avidly spin pottery in spaces between. My primary medium in ceramics is Raku, with some integration of hi-fire elements. I do make functional work for fun, and would probably make more if I had access to a good reduction environment. (Anyone within radius of Moscow, Idaho with a wood-fired kiln?).

I was drawn to Raku because of the alchemy and unpredictability of the process, and because of the sensual, organic surfaces the process produces. I emphasize a surface effect I call 'Raku mosaic'... wherein I carve impressionist designs and fill in the interstitial spaces with contrasting glazes.

Most of my work is wheel-thrown, with some alteration of primary wheel-thrown forms. I limit myself to functional objects- but attempt to push the envelope of what can be defined as 'functional'. Fountains, Japanese style lanterns,planters, and drums are objects that I find particularly fascinating, in light of their blending of sculpture and natural elements (water, growing things, light).

My surface designs are heavily influenced by my concerns about humanity's impact on the natural world, and by my years spent canoeing and kayaking in Minnesota, Canada, and the Pacific Northwest. I also draw from a hybrid amalgam of myth and story, drawn from sources as disparate as Irish legend and the films of Haio Miyazaki (‘Kohaku River’ is taken from Miyazaki’s wonderful film ‘Spirited Away’). Marine and coastal forms predominate, ranging from grayling and dogfish to selkies and seaweed, cloud-riven skies and storm spirits. For some larger vessels and objects, my designs are narrative in form, reflecting specific stories and legends, or- in many cases- my concerns about humanity’s impact on the natural world.

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Member TitleHuffing cobalt over a Raku kiln

AgeAge Unknown

BirthdayBirthday Unknown

Gender

Male

Location

Moscow, Idaho

Interests

Raku, surface carving, fountains, lanterns and other large functional sculpture, intersection of art and conservation